From the mighty ocean deep

Take a trip back to a different age and explore the story of Britain's extraordinary seafaring history

- CAROLINE BEDDOW

As an island nation, we have a remarkable maritime heritage. Ships helped us establish trade with faraway countries, bringing tea, silks and exotic spices. We built them to ferry goods and people to and from far-flung ports, to defend ourselves, and to transport the rich on luxury liners. While most have long-since perished at the breaker's yard, or even on the high seas, here are just a few of our amazing historic vessel survivals which can be visited today.

HMS Cavalier, The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Kent

Built on the Isle of Wight in 1944, HMS Cavalier is the last surviving British destroyer from World War Two still in the UK. It undertook Arctic operations against German shipping and was retired in 1972. The Cavalier is now on show at Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent. Day tickets (adults £28.50, children £18) are valid for a year, and include access to HMS Gannet, built in 1878, and the Cold War submarine HMS Ocelot, commissioned in 1964.

*thedockyard.co.uk

THE CUTTY SARK, GREENWICH, LONDON